A theme file can contain references to custom Visual Styles, namespace icons, mouse pointers, window metrics, colors and other visual elements. If you wish to preserve the existing icons for the namespace items such as Computer, Documents, Recycle Bin, Network etc, you can change a setting so that applying a custom theme does not affect the existing desktop icons.
Lock down the desktop icons during theme change
Right-click on the Desktop and choose Personalize
Click the Change desktop icons link in the left pane
Uncheck the following option and click OK
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Lock down the mouse pointers during theme change
Right-click on the Desktop and choose Personalize
Click the Change mouse pointers link in the left pane
Uncheck the following option and click OK
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